Physical Disabilities
Physical disabilities can be sensory, where there are problems with sight, hearing or speech, or they may impair motor function, so that movement is restricted or imprecise. Injuries may cause a disability, and disease such as a heart condition may also make normal exertion impossible.
Some disabilities start at birth - congenital disabilities. Others are acquired during life. If you have a disability, it is almost certain that there are many others who do also. Most conditions have support groups or associations that have grown up relating to the problem. These groups may offer specialized help to minimize the effect of the condition.
Recently Answered
- Q What are the most common causes of paralysis?
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Of the cases of paralysis in the United States, stroke is the most common cause (29 percent). That is followed by spinal cord injury (23 percent) and multiple sclerosis (17 percent). Other causes of paralysis include cerebral palsy (7 percent), polio (5... Full Answer
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- Q Will I receive compensation from the VA for a spinal cord injury?
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According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, veterans with a spinal cord injury may receive up to $2,673 in monthly disability compensation. Depending on the extent of your war injury, you may also get supplementary payments if you also lost the use... Full Answer
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- Q Would a support group for veterans with spinal injuries help me?
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Social support is defined as the sum of all the relationships that make you feel as if you matter to the people who matter to you. Studies have verified that a strong group of family members and close friends or a support system (doctors, nurses, other... Full Answer
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- Q How does spastic paralysis affect quality of life?
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The loss of mobility can alter the quality of life of someone with spastic paralysis unless they know what to expect and learn to cope. For people who inherit spastic paralysis, their movements may not be affected too much initially, but they may... Full Answer
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- Q Is flaccid paralysis fatal?
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Flaccid paralysis is almost always caused by an underlying condition like polio or West Nile virus. Flaccid paralysis is a symptom, rather than an illness or disease in and of itself. Flaccid paralysis itself is not fatal, although it can be debilitating... Full Answer
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- Q What should I know to care for someone with spastic paralysis?
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It is important for any caretaker or family member of someone with spastic paralysis to be informed. Persons with spastic paralysis need support and encouragement from their caretakers to live up to their potential, particularly if their condition is... Full Answer
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- Q Are there alternative treatments for spastic paralysis?
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Alternative treatments for spastic paralysis are physical and occupational therapy. Physical therapy helps to increase muscle strength and motion for those whose spastic paralysis is caused by either heredity or cerebral palsy. Additionally, for those... Full Answer
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- Q What are the symptoms of spastic paralysis?
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Symptoms of spastic paralysis include stiff limbs, involuntary movement of facial muscles, as well as sudden movements of the arms and legs. People with this condition tend to have limited mobility because their muscles are not strong. In children,... Full Answer
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- Q What is the rate of incidence for spastic paralysis?
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Spastic paralysis can be caused as a byproduct of cerebral palsy or on its own as a genetic condition. About two or four in every 1,000 babies will be found to have cerebral palsy. The incidence of the inherited form is not known, but it is generally... Full Answer
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- Q How can surgery affect people with spastic paralysis?
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Some people with spastic paralysis caused by cerebral palsy may benefit from orthopedic surgery. Orthopedic surgery can help to loosen tendons and improve leg movement. However, best results for managing this condition can be seen in using a combination... Full Answer
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